Do I Need Rehab Treatment?

If you’re asking yourself whether you need treatment for your drug or alcohol use, try answering the following questions. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, it may, though not necessarily, be time to talk to a health/addictions professional about your substance use.

Speaking to a health/addictions professional could well be beneficial anyway to help you understand whether your drug/alcohol use is a problem. The fact that you are already wondering about this suggests that there may be an issue. 

1. I take drugs and/or drink when I feel stressed or pressured.
Yes
No

2. I build social occasions around drinking or taking drugs, and use various events (such as birthdays, good days, bad days, promotions) as an excuse to use alcohol or drugs.
Yes
No

3. After a hard or bad day, at work for example, I sometimes ‘self-medicate’ with narcotics or booze.
Yes
No

4. On occasion, I have felt guilt, shame or embarrassment about my drug or alcohol use.
Yes
No

5. I have experienced black outs and memory loss from drink or drugs.
Yes
No

6. I have often regretted my actions or words the next day after drinking or using drugs heavily.
Yes
No

7. I have made promises to myself or others about reducing my alcohol or drugs consumption but I have broken these promises
Yes
No

8. I will often have a drink or some drugs when I am angry, for example after a row.
Yes
No

9. I sometimes drink first thing in the morning.
Yes
No

10. I sometimes go on ‘benders’ where I am high or drunk for more than one day.
Yes
No

11. I tend to get annoyed if anyone raises the issue of my alcohol or drug use with me.
Yes
No

12. I have injured myself or someone else when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Yes
No

13. I take drugs or drink alcohol when I am alone.
Yes
No

14. Using drugs or alcohol has affected my relationships with friends and families.
Yes
No

15. Drinking or taking drugs has affected my performance at school or at work.
Yes
No

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, it could help to speak to a health/addictions specialist.

They will be able to help you ascertain whether your drinking or drug use is problematic.  A doctor may suggest a number of options such as:

• Group counselling
• Individual therapy
• A stay in a rehab centre
• A supervised detox programme